Kendrick School is using chocolate to bring sweet harmony back to its century-old piano, with a fundraising effort involving tubes

of Smarties.

The Blüthner grand piano has been a centrepiece for music at the school since it was bought

second-hand in 1950.

However, it is in need of a £12,000 overhaul before it can celebrate its 100th birthday next year.

Sainsbury’s in Friar Street and Asda in Lower Earley have donated tubes of Smarties to help the school in its efforts to raise the cash. The idea is that when the girls have eaten their sweets, they will collect cash in the empty tubes. The three who collect the most will be given Easter eggs at the spring concert in April.

“The piano is in a decrepit state but we have been doing lots of activities to try and get it restored,” said teacher Zoe Hardy. “This is just one of several things we’re doing.”